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By Daniel Hernandez of Cecodap
We lived in an unusual context that led everyone to work from home. Motivation may be affected due to this change of environment. That is why we give you some recommendations to motivate children and adolescents to do their homework, and at the same time increase internal or external motivation so that doing so is not seen as an obligation.
There are authors who state that the definition of any learning process is based on the increase of the students’ capabilities, and this can be achieved by making them enjoy the process. Perceiving teaching as entertaining, students tend to get involved in it, interacting with peers and the teacher to raise doubts, seek information and, ultimately, pass the subject.
Adapt a space in the home for homework.
By providing a space in the home for both the child and adolescent to study, it will be easier for them to associate academic activities within the home. This way you will be able to do the activities properly. It is important that in this space there are as few distractions as possible (TV, toys, computer, etc.), so that the child can concentrate adequately on the activities. This also works to create study habits.
Include it in the establishment of the study plan.
It is important that children and adolescents feel included in the study plan so that they feel that their opinion is taken into account and achieve greater motivation to carry out the activity. This involves the space to carry it out, schedules to be met, among others. Parents will be present to ensure that you fulfill your agreed upon responsibility.
Establish study schedules.
By creating a schedule for doing homework assignments at home, especially if it is set at the same time he/she saw classes, the student will find it easier to adapt to doing homework at home. It is important to note that there may be moments of recreation during homework, but these should be pre-established in order to generate in the child an adequate study habit. In the particular case of adolescents, it is necessary to give them greater freedom so that they can generate in themselves the internal motivation to comply with it.
Congratulate when tasks are done properly.
The fact that the student feels rewarded for their effort generates motivation for them to continue with their homework at home. Therefore, rewards should be consistent with the child’s effort and should be within the child’s means. Giving a big reward for the first day of tasks and not on the second day will generate demotivation. Options may include watching television, playing board or electronic games, or verbal congratulations. With teenagers, for example, you can say that they have until 2:00 pm to do their homework and if they complete it, then they can spend more time on the computer or doing an activity they like. Failure to do so will result in increased parental pressure to comply.
Be attentive to the child’s emotions.
It is essential to take into account the emotional state of the child and adolescent at home. It must be kept in mind that this is a new dynamic to which the student is not accustomed. Therefore, it is necessary to have patience so that the child is able to adapt adequately to this dynamic and provide emotional support when needed in order to achieve greater results. This will help the students to accomplish the tasks and at the same time generate a relationship of trust where they can express themselves freely and help them when they need it.
Provide parental support for homework.
With children it is important to feel that they have an adult figure capable of helping them when they have a difficulty, so that they have more confidence to do the activities. In the event that the adolescent does not want the parents to be involved in their activities, it is sufficient to state your willingness to help them in case they need it.
Show the functionality of the tasks.
This can be done by both parents and teachers. When the student knows why he is doing the task he is doing, it will be easier for him to find meaning in his effort and may generate more motivation to complete it.
